Monday, December 30, 2013

My goodness! Can you believe it? This is the last Monday OF THE YEAR! Now I am still taking a bit of a blogging and card making break but I did want to let all of you know about the LAST challenge over at Digi Darla's Challenges Blogfor the year. This week for Challenge #95 the theme is "Troll the ancient Yule tide carol".
Laura, who is
in charge of the December challenges, wants your project to be inspired by a song so make sure that you let us all know which one it is.
One person will be the lucky winner of FIVEDigi Darla (DD) images! AND any entries using a DD image get entered into a SECOND drawing for THREE images.
So, you could technically win eight images! If you do use one of Kim's
wonderful images make sure you let us know by writing DD after your
name when you enter.

So, while I don't have a project to show you this week, I am looking forward to seeing what you all create so make sure that if you have the opportunity, you join us and show us YOUR wonderful talents by entering in our current challenge this week over at Digi Darla's Challenges. While
you are there I hope that you will check out the wonderful projects created by my teammates.
See you again soon!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Hah! And you guys thought I probably forgot about you this month. Well, to be very honest it was touch and go as to whether I'd actually get the items for the December kit created and posted while it was still December! However, fate stepped in and gave me just enough time to be able to create this post and get it out to you. Now since it is Christmas Day, I am counting on Blogger to uphold its end of the bargain and publish this post as scheduled. I hope that for those of you who celebrate Christmas, you have enjoyed it immensely. I say 'enjoyed' because I can't see too many people popping in today. However, if you are here today, I hope that you are having a splendid day and I thank you for coming by to see what I have available; and, on that note, let's get to it shall we?This month's kit is called...December Delights

I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas so if you are one who doesn't, I hope that there will at least be an item or two that you can use. I also know it is too late for this year but since people work on their Christmas cards all year long, I know that some of you will be able to make use of a few of these items, real soon!First up, I'll start with the usual, some Lovely Lettering wordart depicting the name of the month...

These word art creations are all made with fonts free for commercial use. They are in png format and published at 300 dpi. The three bottom ones have been altered with layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.

Okay, it is time to move on to some Paper Play...

I don't know about you, but I have always really liked the combination of black and cream. While they aren't traditional Christmas colours, I still wanted them to be part of the December kit. I have provided you with three different papers all variations on the same theme. You are welcome to one or all, it is up to you! The picture of the ornament is from George Hodan and is available over at PublicDomainPictures.net. Each of the above papers (actually all the papers presented today) have been altered with layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz.Next up are a couple more papers, this time with traditional colours...

As usual, all of these papers are 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and are published
at 300 dpi.

I've created a couple of Radical Ribbons that work with the above two papers, on their own or with anything for that matter that you can make them work with! You can see the detail better if you click on them to bring them up into the lightbox.

That leaves me with just a few minutes to add a couple Fantastic Frames. A few people really liked two of the recent frames I showcased in creations posted last week so I thought I'd re-size them and throw those into the kit as well.

As usual, everything is published rather large to accommodate scrapbooking. You can always reduce the size without
distorting the image. These particular frames have been created using shapes and altered using layer styles from --you guessed it--Shelby Kate Schmitz.

I can not believe that a year of mini kits is done. I've gone from a complete mish mash of objects at the beginning of the year to kit names and a bit more of an organization, towards the end of the year. Incredible, the difference a year can make in design, learning, or life in general. I hope that you enjoy the last kit of the year. I'll be back in January to start building on last January's kit. Of course that is just for Wonderful Wednesdays, I'll be back in general in just a few short days. I've been working rather hard this past year and I think that I've earned a few good days away from the computer spending some quality time with the hubs and other family and friends.
Until next time,

Templates The
templates I used to create the gift and word papers, and the two ribbons, are all from Marisa Lerin, a designer with
www.pixelscrapper.com. These templates were purchased with a commercial
use license. Under this commercial use license, It is my
understanding, that I am within my rights to give away and or sell any
elements I personally create using said template, according to the terms
of use I have set forth (please see full terms of use for what you can
and can't do with this digital creation).

If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page. Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above for the full terms. Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use. Along with the Credit Note above...

Credit and provide a link if you post a creation on your blog using any of my work in your creations.

Do
not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not
post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®,
etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the
image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.

Leave
a comment on my blog. It is currently the only way for me to know if
any of my freebies are being nabbed. Additionally, it will help to
inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Bonus:If
you've actually made it to the end of this post I have a little bonus
item for the December kit. It is a date stamp in a red shade that should complement other offerings in the December kit. Hmmm...I'll have to put my thinking cap on and figure out what next year's bonuses will be.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Woo hoo! Just one more sleep to go people and the big day will be here.Now I know that I haven't been able to provide you with near the number of freebies that I normally do, especially this time of year; however, I promise that I'm not becoming a Grinch I simply had so much to do during the month of December it was completely impossible to get everything I wanted to accomplished. I know that this one paper doesn't make up for it but here is a little Christmas present from me to you...

Naomi also has a cute little freebie up for grabs too over on Creative Bug on the Loose. If you'd like to go and grab it, click HERE.I have just one more post coming out tomorrow morning and then that is it for me for at least several days. I wish that you all have a fabulous holiday and I hope that the peace, love and blessings of this special time of year surround you and your families completely. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, the wish remains the same.

If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page. Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above for the full terms. Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use. Along with the Credit Note above...

Credit and provide a link if you post a creation on your blog using any of my work in your creations.

Do
not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not
post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®,
etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the
image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.

Leave
a comment on my blog. It is currently the only way for me to know if
any of my freebies are being nabbed. Additionally, it will help to
inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Howdy ho, ho, ho everyone. I can't believe that it is Christmas Eve. Wow. If you celebrate Christmas, are you ready? Sadly, I'm still not. The rest of today will be spent taking care of all those last minute details. However, first up it is time to introduce the latest challenge over at Ike's World. The theme for the next two weeks is New Year, New Beginnings. A new year brings with it such possibilities, doesn't it? A chance to start over, try something new, change our current habits. I just love all the possibilities a new year can bring.

You can join in Ike's challenge with a creation using any kind of
medium
or style but remember that in order to qualify to win the prize you
MUST use an Ike's Art image. If you don't already have an image and
would like to purchase one, check out all the awesome ones available in
the store by clicking HERE.
Ike has an amazing and varied selection to choose from and you are
sure to find something to suit your needs. There is also a freebie
available over on the challenge blog that you can use to enter the
challenge. However, please be respectful of the artist's rights and do
not post, pin or share the image with anyone else. If you know some
people who might like it, send them over to the challenge blog so they
can pick it up for themselves.Check out what I made for this fortnight...General Information:

Now that the drama of the candle that technically is now worth $82.50 is behind me, it is time to move on to something else. Thankfully, this fortnight's project didn't cost me anything extra out of pocket.

While I didn't have the opportunity to actually convert my digital design into a physical card, I do intend to do so sometime after the holidays.

FRONT

Image Details:

Clock: I first saw this clock when my teammie, Samara, created a project using it. As soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to incorporate it into something. Contact Ike, if you are interested in purchasing it.

I recoloured the clock in PSE 12 to coordinate with the other colours used in my project.

INSIDE

Image Details:

Pocket watch: It was wonderful that Ike had another great timepiece, as this card allowed me to showcase two of them. Once again, it was recoloured in PSE 12. You can find this image in the
'My Latest Designs' section of the Ike's Art store or by clicking on the watermark
below.

Digital Sentiment:

Just one I created.

OVERALL

Digital Paper Products:

I used two different digital papers from the 20's Chic kit designed by Jeanine Baechtold a designer with ComputerScrapbook.com, available as a freebie. I also altered two elements from this same kit to suit my purposes for this particular card.

What
will you create using one of Ike's wonderful images? Pop over and play
along with us anytime during the next two weeks over at Ike's World
Challenges. You
can find out everything you need to know in order to play, by heading
to the challenge blog. I've linked the logo below to take you there.
While you are over there, please be sure to check out the incredible
creations offered up by some of my fellow DT members and be sure to pop
over there again next week when the second team's projects are showcased
to help
inspire you.

Just one more post to go before I take a blogging break. Check back later this morning as I have a small treat planned to give away.

Monday, December 23, 2013

"'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa, La, La, La, La...La, La, La, La!" Just two more sleeps to go my friends and the big day will be here. The house is a flurry of activity in anticipation of Jolly old St. Nick's arrival. However, before I can take some time off, I have to take care of my DT duties; so accordingly, I'm here to tell you all about this week's challenge over at Digi Darla's Challenges Blog. This week for Challenge #94 the theme is "Fa, La, La, La, La".
Laura, who is
in charge of the December challenges, has declared that this week is Anything Goes--everyone's favourite theme!

One person will be the lucky winner of FIVEDigi Darla (DD) images! AND any entries using a DD image get entered into a SECOND drawing for THREE images.
So, you could technically win eight images! If you do use one of Kim's
wonderful images make sure you let us know by writing DD after your
name when you enter.
I've used the following Digi Darla image in my project this week:

Today's project is multi-purpose. Not only is it my DT project for DD, but it also serves as my personal wish to all of you. My hope is that each and every one of you experience love, peace, hope and joy this holiday season!

Other Notes:

This digital creation has been adapted using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.

The primarily winter white digital paper with some extra colours running through it is from the Brisk kit designed by Jeanine Baechtold a designer with ComputerScrapbook.com, available as a freebie.

So, how about you come on over and show us YOUR wonderful talents by entering in our current challenge this week over at Digi Darla's Challenges? While
you are there please check out the great projects from the rest of
the design team. We always look forward to seeing the delightful
creations you come up with.

I still have a couple more posts to get out before I can take some time off so I will see you again tomorrow.
Until then,

Friday, December 20, 2013

It is a busy day in the Décosse household. While technically it was Bake Cookies Day on Wednesday (although I'm still not sure whether that is strictly American or International as well), today is the day our household is filling up with the aromas of double chocolate cookies, sugar cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. However while everything is cooling and waiting for icing----okay whom I trying to kid, it is my husband doing all the baking not me. I am however needed for some quality testing and of course for packing them all away in the cookie tins to get them ready for their various destinations. So, that gives me just enough time to post my project for the December From the Heart progressive stamp of the month challenge.In order to enter this challenge, you
must either have received the latest image by having participated in the
previous month or you can buy the stamp for the current month's
challenge. Everyone
who enters and follows the rules is a winner because you
automatically get the stamp for the next month's challenge. Stop by the
site and check out the rules
for yourself. While you are there, have a look around. They have some
really great images. Below you will find the card I'm entering for the December challenge.

Here are my card and details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

General Information:

Okay, I think that I am pretty safe with posting this today, I was going to wait until after the holidays but I've got a little time today so I am just going to go ahead and do it. Given that the hubs is busy baking, I don't think he'll be checking out my blog. Actually, I don't think he checks it very often at all but just in case...

Hubs, if you are seeing this then you need to back away from the computer screen or you'll ruin your Christmas card.

Really, I mean it!!!

FRONT

Digital Images:

The image on the front, Candy Cane Anneke, is available for purchase over at From the Heart Stamps. Click HERE or on the watermark below to go to its location in the store.

This month we got to choose between two different sets and I thought this one would be perfect for the hubs' Christmas card.

Thanks for popping by everyone! I think it will be a quiet weekend blog-wise, house-wise, not so much. However, you never know, I may pop back in with something else. I will definitely be back on Monday so...Until next time,

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thankfully I have had just enough time before I take a break to also get a creation into Sami Stamps Challenge #8. Last month, if the hubs had read my post for the card I submitted into the last Sami Stamps challenge (click HERE to see it), he could probably have had me committed. At least Sami liked my card as she decided to post it in her Crafter's Gallery. Thankfully no marbles were lost in the making of this particular creation. Do you think if I print out enough copies and post them around the house, Santa will get the hint?

Digital Image:

Christmas Present: I love this image because even though it is technically a Christmas present, the image itself is versatile enough to represent any type of gift. It is currently still a freebie
over at Sami Stamps but it won't be there forever. Clicking on the watermark
below will take you to its location in the store.

Layer Styles:

The frame, gift, bow and lettering have all been altered using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com. The frame also is one hers.

Digital Paper:

The Christmas plaid digital paper is one of mine, not released publicly.

Well, guys thanks for stopping by again. I hope that you enjoyed your time here and will be back to visit me again soon! I'm done for tonight but still have a few more posts to get out before Christmas.

I have just enough time left to post my final creation for the Lady Anne Progressive Christmas Challenge. For the last year I have had the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful progressive Christmas Challenge where we got
two images each month to play with. As long as we submitted a card with at least one
of them, we were eligible to receive two more the next month. This has been a wonderful opportunity to build my bank of Christmas images from many different companies and it also gave me the incentive that I needed to create Christmas cards on a consistent basis. Sadly, Lady Anne has decided to close this particular challenge. I'm not sure how I will fare next year without deadlines for keeping on track.
I almost thought about starting my own progressive Christmas challenge and hand out Christmas papers and goodies to work with but given everything else I am doing right now I realized that it would be adding just too much additional work and then I probably wouldn't get the chance to create any cards of my own for it because I'd be so busy with the admin of it. It is still something I'd like to do in the future. Maybe I'll make it a two year goal.

Anyways, I would like to thank Lady Anne and Laurian for creating and allowing us the opportunity to participate in the progressive Christmas challenge. I would also like to thank the team for the amazing creative
inspiration that they have provided us throughout this past year. I
wish everyone involved with this challenge, much success in your future endeavours and hope to see
you out and about in the blogiverse.

So here it is, my final LAPCC creation...

General Information:

I created a strictly digital creation for now. However I do have plans to turn it into a physical card.

Digital Images:

Snowman: This cute snowman image is of course from this month's sponsor, Oak Pond Creations.

The
image was coloured digitally in PSE5. Parts of the image were altered
using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.

So there you go, no more progressive Christmas challenges--at least until I can find another or create my own. Okay, moving on to another possible creation and post. Now sure if I'll achieve my goal though, given the time. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Brrr and the family are busy getting ready for the upcoming winter
festivities. Today seemed the perfect day to get some decorating done.
Brrrnice decided to take some snapshots of the occasion and send them
to me. We have become quite the email pals.We start
out with Brrr getting ready to brave the cold and do some work outside.
He is wearing the scarf that Brrrnice crocheted for him last Christmas
and the earmuffs that baby Brrr gave to him. He looks rather dashing in
them doesn't he?

Brrr
and the family take things rather serious at Christmas time and this
year they decided to put a great big piece of subway art out in the yard
for all passing by to see. The way their home is set up, they were
easily able to affix it to a post out front. This should remind
everyone passing by to pause and reflect for a moment, on the awe of the
holidays.

Brrr also put some holly bows up all over the place, just to give the yard a bit more of a festive look.

While
Brrr was busy getting his own yard ready for the holidays, his
neighbour across the street was busy getting his truck loaded with lots
of presents and a tree for the children's ward of the local Hospital.
Brrr and the family live in a town where giving to those in need or
those experiencing unfortunate circumstances, is very important.
Children having to be in the hospital over the holidays is rather sad
and the community wanted to help them feel a little bit better. The
collection they gathered was pretty impressive and Brrr's neighbour was
charged with getting it all over to the hospital later today. Brrrnice
thought that I'd like to see how much was collected and so she took a
picture just before their neighbour took off on his delivery.

Next
up it was time for Brrr to head back indoors and put up the Christmas
lights. After removing his outdoor gear, he decided to don his Santa
hat to help him get into the spirit even more. Now contrary to popular
belief, penguins aren't all that great with electrical equipment. Even
though Brrr now has a degree in Refrigeration and Cooling, that hasn't
helped him with the lighting situation. Brrr seems to have gotten
himself into rather the tangle and of course Brrrnice couldn't resist
taking a snapshot of him this way.

Brrr
finally did manage to get himself untangled and get those Christmas
lights up. He provided lots of laughter for the entire family much to
his own chagrin.It was a long day for Brrr and he had
to have the patience of an angel to get through it all. In fact, with
just the right lighting, and if you squint a certain way, you can
actually glimpse a set of wings and a halo!

Once
again, Brrnice offered up the images to her good friend Sandy to turn
into digital designs, just so that all of you can have a
chance to own one of these sweet pics yourself. If
you click on each of the images above, they will take you to their
locations in the store, except of course for the holly bow which is
currently still a freebie that you can grab HERE. However, you better grab it soon because it may not remain a freebie forever.

So many digitals, so many possibilities!

Even though time is drawing close, this gives you some more ideas for all those last minute holiday cards that I still need to create you might need to create.Psst...interested in a new freebie? Well, go and check out the new challenge over on the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog. Our theme this month is, Shades of White,
and you can find the sweetest little acorn up for grabs. If you do take the freebie, know
that we'd love to see what you do with it by entering our latest
challenge. Remember, you have until 9:00
p.m. PST on January 14th to enter the current challenge, so that gives
you lots of time to get your creation ready. You can find out all the
details you need for participating and for grabbing the acorn freebie,
by clicking HERE.Well
guys, that is it for this one. I've a few more posts to get done before I can take a bit of holiday break so I'll be back soon. Until next time,

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About Me

Hi! My name is Lisa and welcome to my blog. Whether drawing, painting, cross-stitching, card making, or doing nail art, I've been 'creating' since I was knee high to a grasshopper. At the end of 2011, I really started getting interested in the world of card making and nail art. I knew that there were already a lot of creative card makers, digi stamp designers, and nail artists out there and I continue to learn a lot from them, but I needed a place to showcase my work so I could enter some challenges and as a result, created this blog in October of 2012.
I live in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I am happily married to my college sweetheart and we have been married for over 27 years. We were never blessed with children so our 'babies' have always been cats. Currently, we have one female tabby named Marigold.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a blast!

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Welcome to my blog. I am so very glad you are here! There is lots to see--card design, showcases, motivation, inspiration and more! Some of that more includes oodles and oodles of FREEBIES! With well over 100+ free designs available--images, papers, sentiments and other digital goodies--You've come to the right place! Scroll down and click on 'Free' in the label section. I'm sure you'll find something you could use. Don't forget to come back often as new ones are added every week!

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